Is the hip armor similar to that in the Baja's, or is it more substantial?

Don't know yet, should know later today or tomorrow.

You can see clear improvements from each new design. The 09 Mojave / Dakars are an improvement over the older Revolt / Moabs. I was surprised, but the ITB Klim Chinook and Baja were actually a little nicer than the 09 OTB pants. Unless they somehow managed to go backwards this time - unlikely - the 2010 Klim gear should be better also.